When we think of “Adult Entertainer” a thousand cliches come to mind -- stereotypes we’ve seen on film – strippers or porn stars, usually young and down-on-their-luck, sometimes on drugs and always entering this profession because they had no other options. What if a dancer, an entertainer, flipped this script and chose a form of self-expression that satisfied her needs? What if this profession not only fueled her bank account but her passion as well? This episode features an anonymous contributor who shifts our perspective by sharing her approach, motivations, and joy for this profession, allowing us to dig a little deeper into life beyond the pole.

Have you ever felt drawn to a place? Have you ever followed the tug of your heart even if your head is saying “that’s SO woo woo?” Today’s conversation on Digging Deep features Alice Blackwell, co-owner of New Orleans’ legendary Hi Ho Lounge. This Big Change from office work, through a series of coincidences and what can only be called “woo woo,” led to running a music venue in New Orleans, a place she calls the “city of her heart.”

What does a typical person do with a newly minted MBA.  Join the Peace Corps?  Drop into the aftermath of the Velvet Revolution in the Czech Republic? Nope. But that's exactly what this episode's guest decided to do. Fran Aun is a communications and public relations professional. In 1993, she joined Peace Corps as part of the pioneer group of business volunteers to the newly formed Czech Republic. Hear her story of Big Change, in the midst of Big Global Change, and see for yourself the power of getting out of your comfort zone.

Today’s interview subject would like to remain anonymous but, in fact, we’re calling her “Wonder Woman.” What’s it like to not only survive childhood cancer but thrive in life?  Let’s find out together. And, by the end of this episode, I think you’ll agree this is the perfect name for her.

The only sure thing in life is change. It happens to us and all around us every day – but truly big change is rare, less in our control, and has effects far beyond the moment. Some impact the rest of our lives. This podcast digs into an individual’s story of change to reveal a little bit about how and why we make big changes in our lives and what can be learned from these experiences. Join me for tales of grit and sacrifice, success and triumph, humor and disappointment, life and death and resilience – all told by the people who experienced BIG change first-hand.

Would you like to participate?  Contact [email protected] for details.  

I’m your host, Kelley Styring, founder and principal researcher from InsightFarm, a firm that helps companies learn from their customers and consumers through deep conversation and connection, often told as stories like the one you’ll hear on this podcast. So, let’s get the conversation started.